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Authorities in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of civilians demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

News outlets also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student told reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.